The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a resounding condemnation of the escalating violence in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where M23 rebels have taken control of the city, leaving devastation in their wake.
With hundreds of lives lost, including peacekeepers and civilians, and over a million people displaced, a release by ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, called for immediate intervention to prevent further bloodshed and economic ruin.
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Goma has plunged workers, particularly women and youth, into despair. markets, hospitals, and schools have been destroyed, leaving the people of Goma struggling to survive. ITUC-Africa warned that this conflict was deepening poverty and economic instability, with women in the informal economy losing their livelihoods and young people at increased risk of recruitment by armed groups.
Citing the grave impact of the violence, ITUC-Africa is demanding urgent action from the Congolese government to protect civilians, restore order, and engage in an inclusive national dialogue to address governance failures and economic justice. The union insisted that the government must prioritise the rights of workers and employer organisations in rebuilding a nation torn apart by conflict.
ITUC-Africa also called on the M23 rebels to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from Goma, warning that their actions are worsening the suffering of innocent civilians. The statement urges the rebels to respect international humanitarian law, allow humanitarian access, and seek peaceful solutions instead of perpetuating cycles of violence.
The organisation did not spare Rwanda, whose alleged involvement in supporting M23 rebels has fueled tensions. ITUC-Africa has demanded that the Rwandan government halt any military support to the group and commit to diplomatic engagement instead of exacerbating the crisis. It warns that regional stability is at stake and calls for restraint from all external actors influencing the conflict.
With the potential for regional escalation looming, ITUC-Africa has appealed to the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU) to take decisive action. It insists that these bodies must intensify diplomatic efforts, enforce accountability measures, and deploy additional peacekeeping and humanitarian missions to protect vulnerable civilians.
The United Nations has also been urged to strengthen MONUSCO’s mandate to effectively safeguard civilians and intervene where necessary. ITUC-Africa demands that all perpetrators of human rights violations be held accountable, stressing that justice is a critical step toward lasting peace in the region.
Global powers, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and France, have been called out for their role in shaping the crisis. The union has urged them to resist exploiting the DRC’s vast mineral wealth under the guise of diplomacy and instead enforce strict supply chain transparency to ensure that conflict minerals are not fueling further violence.
ITUC-Africa’s statement highlights that the crisis in Goma is not just a battle over land—it is deeply tied to the exploitation of the DRC’s rich resources. The union insists that the wealth of the nation should be used to uplift its people, not fuel war and suffering. It warns against global interests profiting from chaos while the Congolese people bear the brunt of destruction.
In a show of solidarity, African workers have pledged to stand with the people of Goma, families who have lost loved ones, and all those affected by the senseless violence. The union has vowed to continue advocating for peace, justice, and economic dignity for the people of the DRC.
“This urgent call serves as a stark reminder that this war must end. The global community, regional leaders, and all stakeholders must act now before the crisis spirals further out of control.” The statement added.
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